Literary Analysis Essay on Henry V

Introduction

The play about Henry V reveals the politics which existed in England during the King Henry era through various fictions and facts. Whenever the condition of Shakespeare's English is considered, patriotism and nationalism and different struggles which prevent against threats are noticed. Therefore, the English nations are usually seen against the enemy under Henry V who developed a nationalistic feeling to the people hence making them unite due to patriotism. The play tends to arise the feeling of the people, the idea of heroism, nationalism and the character traits of Henry V in the accomplishment of his role to emerge victorious in the English army. The development of Henry V is brought about by his participation and experience he acquired from the usurpation of his father in Richard II throne in 1399 (Green 167). Henry V acquired the skill of dealing with the rebels of Owen Glendower in their Welsh principality and also struggled with the difficult times of the foreign policy and the high finance. Therefore, Henry V after acquiring training for the kingdoms' reign, he came out acquainted in administration, warfare, and politics.

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The traits of Henry V as the king develops significance in the spreading of patriotism and nationalism among the English thus making Shakespeare combine fictions and facts which helped in reflecting the era of Henry in the play. Despite Henry V, who was referred to as Prince Hal getting involved in the street life with people from the humble backgrounds in the taverns, he ends up ruling the country with enthusiasm, responsibility and lots of resolution. From the quote how exactly does King Henry IV's worrisome and disappointing son become so great a politician? Are there any signs of the budding political genius in Hal's early life? Proved that Henry V has undergone through change thus revealing their real identity and turning out to be a self-confident and determined leader who considered the welfare of the nation.

"The breath no sooner left his father's body, but that his wildness, mortified in him, seemed to die too: yea, at that very moment, consideration like an angel came, And whipped the' offending Adam out of him, Leaving his body as a paradise (Green 166)"

The quote above showed that alterations in Henry V strategy and the manners foreshadowed his achievements and deed at the state affairs and the court. Also, in the French Kings palace, the constable warned the French Prince concerning the threat they could encounter from Henry V because of his cleverness and his ability. Therefore, Henry V takes advantage of his skill to motivate the public, bring unity to the army hence fighting against his enemies which made patriotism, national spirit, and heroism to dominate his works. In Shakespeare's play, nationalism shows the devotion of the English people to their country, thus being prepared to dedicate and sacrifice themselves to the glory of their country (Green 162). Therefore, the stable national feeling which is among the English patriotism and heroism is related to Henry V's efforts and progress of becoming a warrior hero.

On the other hand, Henry tends to combine the realities of the English history with the fiction thus demonstrating the identity of the English and their efforts in overcoming the threats which arise from different countries. For example, from the quote

For God doth know how many now in health shall drop their blood in approbation of what your reverence shall incite us to. Therefore take the heed how you impawn our person, How you awake our sleeping sword of war; We charge you in the name of God, take heed: For never two such kingdoms did contend, Without much fall of blood, whose guiltless drops are every one a woe, a sore complaint (Green 163).

It shows how the significant activities of the English army fought against the enemy will fore-shadow the blood which will be shed because of nationalism. The French, Spanish and the Ireland threats draw attention after the success of Henry V is analyzed. The English nationalism which was brought about by the Henry V helped the English to struggles against the alliance of the English and the threats brought about by the French. Therefore, Henry V conduct his heroic actions as a nationalist who has a warlike spirit which makes his tasks among the English to become a success.

In the play by Shakespeare the contributions which are brought about by Henry V have helped in the progression of the state affairs and in ensuring the English army remain victorious. The progress of the warrior's hero improved in continuation of the play by Shakespeare. Through a great King, the English military emerged victorious after getting to war with the French. Henry V stated that the loss which was experienced by English after losing the troops in battle which the few remained after the war to experience honor. Henry V was not disheartened by anything as long as the county's welfare was concerned. Also, the state progress was preserved through supporting the national unity, defending of the nation and ensuring there are peace and safety in the country. Henry V's efforts arouse the spirit in Englishness among the warriors which promoted their self-confidence while at work. While at war, Henry's men became a band of brothers where they kept away their indifferences thus supporting Henry's movement of peacekeeping in the country. Henry usually motivated his army during the wars hence making them come out victorious over the French. Therefore, the King encouraging, supporting and uniting the authors while at war was a sign of heroism since soldiers had a common goal of protecting their country (Green 165). The necessity of being committed to the national identity is through the indications of Henry V inspirations towards the nationalistic feelings.

In peace, there is nothing so becomes a man, as modest stillness, and humanity; But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger: Stiffen the sinews, conjure up the blood, Disguise fair nature with hard-favored rage. On, on, you noblest English, Whose blood is felt from fathers of war-proof: Fathers. That like so many Alexanders Have in these parts from morn till evening fought (Green 165).

From the above quote, Henry V tries ton hearten the soldiers so that that they can be conscious of the importance of developing courage, national unity, and self -confidence. Through the quote, the public realizes the importance of defending and protecting the country without hesitations. This helped in preserving the English against the French enemies who could have led to more harm in society. In Shakespeare play thee glass mower represents the English power which happens to be unbeaten against the enemy. The play also voiced Henry's ability to beat the enemies where his first mercy is given to the enemies of the public.

On the other hand, Henry V proves his heroic actions when he attempts to provide confidence to his army through visitations in the tents and to encourage them to remain united as the country against their enemies. Henry talks to the soldiers willingly so that he can sweat and grunt under the same load as his soldiers. The talks which Henry V, involves with the soldiers and the public proves that he understands the feelings of the ordinary people in the society.

Therefore I feel that Henry has proved to be a hero in the play by Shakespeare through guidance and involvement to the army which has helped the English man to fight for the national identity. The association of Henry V with the Falstaff Company, holding discussions with the ordinary people and spending most of his time with the taverns helped him to gain knowledge that promoted maturity and the development of the understanding of the emotions of the ordinary and the lower class people. Henry V tends to share the worries and fears which the average person experiences thus getting to provide help to them. Also, Shakespeare has portrayed the English condition under the Henry V's reign thus reflecting the achievements King Henry in the play Henry V. Henry V carries out his tasks appropriately hence achieving his goal of defeating the French enemies and uniting the country (Green166). Therefore, the English witness the political achievements and experience the national spirit through the combination of fictional settings and England history. Shakespeare ends up promoting heroism among the English country hence underlining the significance of the national spirit in developing the federal state.

Works Cited

Green, Amy M. "Henry V." Shakespeare Bulletin 28.1 (2010): 164-167. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Henry-V-by-Shakespeare